Former Tory councillor pleads guilty to drugging and raping ex-wife over 13-year period - as five other men deny sex offences
A husband has admitted to drugging and raping his now ex-wife over a 13-year period.
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Philip Young, 49, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in front of his former spouse Joanne Young at Winchester Crown Court on Friday.
He took 27 minutes to enter his guilty pleas to offences including rape, sexual assault, assault by penetration and voyeurism.
Young, formerly of Swindon, but now of Amberley Road, Enfield, also admitted multiple counts of administering a substance to his then-wife with intent to stupefy her – with all offences taking place between 2010 and 2023.
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Ms Young, 48, who previously waived her right to anonymity in connection with the case, sat in the court to listen to the guilty pleas, supported by her sister and a member of witness support.
Five other men also appeared in court on Friday, charged with sexual offences against Ms Young.
Norman Macksoni, of Wood End Close in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, 47, and Richard Wilkins, 61, of Toothill, Swindon, Wiltshire, both pleaded not guilty to one count of rape.
Dean Hamilton, 47, of no fixed abode, is yet to enter a plea to the same charge.
Connor Sanderson Doyle, 31, of Crofton Road, Swindon, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching.
Mohammed Hassan, 37, of Torun Way in Swindon, pleaded not guilty to sexual touching.
The five men were all granted bail and are due to stand trial on October 5.
Police appealed for help in identifying another man wanted in connection with the case, describing him as being of large build, with scarring on the back of his head and a distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest.
Following Young’s guilty pleas, Wiltshire Police Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith, the senior investigating officer in the case, paid tribute to Ms Young’s “incredible bravery”.
He said: “Today’s hearing is a significant landmark, which has seen Philip Young admit to dozens of serious sexual offences against Joanne Young.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Jo for her incredible bravery throughout this process. She continues to be supported by specially trained officers.”